Sealants and adhesives are widely available in numerous colours with varying shades, which generally makes finding a desirable colour possible. But selecting an exact match to other materials can sometimes be difficult and unreliable. So what are RAL sealant colours and how can they help?

RAL sealant colours refer to any type of sealant that is manufactured to dry in finish matching the precise colour standards of the RAL colour system. The purpose of which is to ensure colour uniformity across different manufacturers, materials and projects.

The RAL Colour System

What is the RAL Colour System?

RAL is a widely recognised European standard colour matching system that has been developed in Germany.

The acronym “RAL” stands for “Reichsausschuß für Lieferbedingungen und Gütesicherung”, which in english translates to National Commission for Delivery Terms and Quality Assurance.

This standardised matching system is widely used in architecture, construction, and industry. It defines a wide range of specific colours by unique numeric codes. For example RAL 7016 for Anthracite Grey or RAL 9010 for Pure White. The system is most commonly used for:

• Paints
• Powder Coatings
• Plastics
• Sealants

The most common RAL system is called RAL Classic, which consists of 213 colours. Each colour is identified by a unique four-digit code, with the first code digit indicating the colour family (e.g., 1xxx for yellow, 7xxx for grey).

Why Choose RAL Sealant Colours?

Choosing a sealant with a colour that matches the RAL colour system, eliminates confusion that can arise from subjective colour descriptions. This results in sealant finishes that match across different materials, leading to higher quality standards across different projects.

• Consistent reference: RAL sealant colours provide a consistent reference for use in various industries, including paint, coatings, plastics, and building materials.
• Perfect colour matching: RAL coloured sealants allow for perfect colour matching. So instead of contrasting, the sealant can blend with surrounding materials, enhancing the overall aesthetics of a project and providing a clean and professional finish.

In summary, if you’re selecting a sealant for a construction or renovation project, RAL sealant colours provide a precise way to specify and achieve desired colours. Choosing one with a RAL colour code ensures that the colour aligns visually with other building materials, ensuring a consistent high quality finish.